DISCLAIMER: In addition to being subject to our standard Disclaimer and Terms of Use, the information contained in the following blog posts may not reflect the most current developments, as the subject matter is extremely fluid and constantly changing. Please continue to monitor this site for ongoing developments. Readers are also cautioned against taking any action based on information contained herein without first seeking advice from professional legal counsel.

As we take care of our loved ones and ourselves in this terrible pandemic, we are all doing our best to generate revenue and protect our income stream. In construction, we know contractors have one of the worst records of delayed payments of companies overall. » Read More

We all know that alcoholic beverage retailers have been hit hard by COVID-19, but so have alcoholic beverage manufacturers. Reduced retail sales translate to reduced manufacturer sales (particularly draught beer). By now you have certainly heard about the CARES Act, where the federal government will be providing aid and incentives to many small businesses. » Read More

As a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program has been expanded for qualifying businesses and qualifying self-employed individuals. The CARES Act’s “Paycheck Protection Program” provides 100% federally backed SBA loans to cover operational costs like rent, payroll, employee health benefits, interest on other debt obligations, insurance, and utilities, among others. » Read More

Following last week’s Executive Order No. 107, the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) has issued Advisory Notice AN 2020-03 regarding industry member’s operations amidst the COVID-19 emergency, as well as a Special Ruling relaxing certain provisions of its May 29, 2019, Special Ruling Authorizing Certain Activities By Holders of Limited Licenses. » Read More

These are no doubt challenging times for everyone and, according to the CDC, “fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions” in all of us. This fact, coupled with our continued commitment to our professional and personal responsibilities, can add to the stress of the current environment in which we are living due to the coronavirus crisis. » Read More

The CARES Act, signed into law on Friday contains a number of provisions affording financial relief to health care providers who have been struggling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. » Read More

Over the weekend, the United States Department of Labor issued an additional set of FAQs on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The FAQs provide valuable guidance on the interpretation of the FFCRA and should be reviewed by anyone charged with administering the benefits which will be available on April 1, 2020. » Read More

With the COVID-19 crisis upon us and New Jersey businesses shuttered, many commercial tenants suddenly find themselves deprived of the ability to pay their rent. By order of Governor Murphy, there is a moratorium on residential evictions and foreclosures in New Jersey. » Read More

Faced with the quick community spread of COVID-19, federal officials have extended state REAL ID compliance deadlines for one year to prevent overcrowding in state motor vehicle offices across the United States who are already struggling to meet the quickly approaching October 1, 2020, deadline. » Read More

On March 25, 2020, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Pennsylvania Governor Wolf approved a temporary and limited suspension of 57 Pa.C.S. § 306, which requires the physical presence of notaries, for both personal and commercial real estate transactions. » Read More

The State Department estimates that as many as 50,000 United States citizens are stuck in foreign countries, who have requested evacuation and reparation assistance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the overall number was released, specific demographic and location information remained confidential, including the number of Americans abroad who already may be infected with COVID-19 and the severity of their medical condition. » Read More

By David C. Roberts (Re: Business Law, Shareholder Disputes, Business Divorce Litigation, New Jersey)

The world has changed. The COVID-19 virus is impacting everything and everyone, and certainly only the most fortunate of businesses will not be adversely impacted. If you as a business owner have reason to believe that you are an oppressed minority shareholder with the right to file suit against your fellow shareholder(s), it is easy to conclude that you perhaps should hold off on filing that shareholder oppression claim, at least until some semblance of normalcy has been restored. » Read More

The Senate voted on Wednesday night to approve a $2 trillion COVID-19 relief package to help millions of American workers and businesses survive the impact of COVID-19. The Relief package is titled CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) and includes COVID-19 relief for individuals, businesses, and the health care industry. » Read More

On Monday, March 16, 2020, a prominent New Orleans restaurant became the first business nationwide to file suit against an insurance carrier for losses sustained as a result of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”). In Cajun Conti, LLC et al. v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London, et al. » Read More

Over the past week, New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy has issued two Executive Orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent, Executive Order No. 107 signed on March 21, 2020 (superseding Executive Order No. 104), includes several provisions directly affecting members of New Jersey’s alcoholic beverage industry. » Read More

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) National Emergency Declaration, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced temporary modifications to the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification process and enforcement actions. Changes range from remote verification to E-Verify’s indefinite response extensions. » Read More

Every hour another complication of the coronavirus (COVID-19) seems to emerge, many of which seem to fall most heavily on individuals with disabilities and seniors. Obviously, the risk of illness is greatest for the elderly and other people with underlying health illnesses. » Read More

In an effort to make health care more accessible during these unprecedented times, while we deal with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the government is relaxing some rules and regulations when it comes to telehealth. As we discussed in our earlier blog post, on March 17th, The Office of Inspector General issued a policy statement waiving sanctions for providers’ waiver of telehealth cost-sharing amounts during the current Public Health Emergency. » Read More

As part of the federal government’s rapidly evolving response to the impact of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the IRS has announced that individuals covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) will not lose their eligibility to make or receive pre-tax contributions to a health savings account (HSA) merely because their health plan provides benefits associated with testing for and treatment of COVID-19 before the HDHP’s ordinary minimum deductibles are met. » Read More

By Oren M. Chaplin (Re: Business Law, State of Emergency, Company Shutdowns, Corporate Operations, Business Continuity)

In uncertain times like these, we think back to Hurricane Sandy and the efforts of business owners to continue operations through that emergency situation. Business continuity planning was important then and it is equally important now as business owners strategize and probe for ways to continue operations through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. » Read More

By Nicholas A. Duston (Re: Business Law, Government Involvement, State of Emergency, Business Shutdowns, Force Majeure)

As companies face shutdowns and citizens are encouraged to stay home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), businesses and people may be asking questions, such as can the government really do that? Those who followed China’s response to the outbreak—which involved using martial law to keep millions of citizens in their home—would have seen references in those stories western democracies being unable to use such extreme measures. » Read More

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created an immigration nightmare with changes announced with each passing minute and a level of uncertainty that has only compounded the uncertainty in an already confused and complicated immigration system. Borders across the world have closed to non-citizens. » Read More

We at Norris McLaughlin recognize that the constantly changing crisis related to the COVID-19 virus has resulted in an unprecedented time for all health care practitioners – a time that for most is filled with uncertainty regarding their practices and patients. » Read More

By Patrick T. Collins (Re: Labor and Employment Law, Family Leave, Medical Leave, Sick Time, New York, New Jersey)

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides paid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act and paid sick leave for absences resulting from COVID-19. » Read More

As we all practice social distancing to avoid the spread of COVID-19, businesses cannot escape the economic impact of the pandemic. With an economic recession on the horizon, the depths of which cannot be fathomed, it is crucial that businesses act proactively to address their obligations owed to creditors. » Read More

With the shutdowns of all Pennsylvania bars and restaurants and restricting them only to take-out food and beverage sales because of the coronavirus (COVID-19), some licensees are faced with the decision whether to close or remain open in a restricted manner. » Read More

You’ve likely heard about people hoarding pallets of hand sanitizer or toilet paper during the past few weeks due to concern over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In fact, authorities in Tennessee recently investigated a man who stock-piled 17,700 bottles of hand sanitizer and was suspected of “price gouging,” or unreasonably inflating the cost of a scarce and necessary product during this time of crisis due to the coronavirus. » Read More

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced in a policy statement issued today, March 17, 2020, that physicians and other practitioners will not be subject to sanctions for reducing or waiving any Medicare or Medicaid patient co-pays or deductibles for telehealth services furnished to the patient during the period of public health emergency declared by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on January 31, 2020, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.» Read More

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has taken unprecedented action in the face of the threat posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19). On March 6, 2020, he issued a proclamation of the existence of a disaster emergency throughout the Commonwealth, pursuant to the Emergency Management Services Code. » Read More

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board issued a terse note to suppliers of wine and spirits that they were shutting down the Special Order program in Pennsylvania due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. » Read More

Today, Governor Wolf ordered the mandatory shutdown of all non-essential businesses, which includes casinos, bars, shopping malls, Pennsylvania Fine Wine and Good Spirits, and restaurants, although restaurants can stay open to offer only carry-out and delivery. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations remain essential businesses that are allowed to remain open during this current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. » Read More

Pennsylvania breweries and restaurants, not unlike all others around the United States, are facing unique challenges presented by the coronavirus. While the health of restaurant and brewery owners, employees, and patrons is paramount, everyone is concerned that their business will survive. » Read More

As the coronavirus spreads around the world, its impact on many businesses and industries, including the construction industry, is increasing. The construction industry in the United States relies heavily on foreign suppliers and manufacturers of goods for construction materials, including steel, millwork, electrical and lighting equipment, plumbing fittings and fixtures, flooring tiles, and HVAC equipment. » Read More

As the Life Care Center of Kirkland in the Seattle area has emerged as the first nursing home in the country to report residents infected with the coronavirus, senior living and health facilities are bracing for the impact of the outbreak. » Read More